U.S. patent application number 14/160724 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-02 for device for labeling containers and method for controlling the device for labeling containers.
This patent application is currently assigned to KRONES AG. The applicant listed for this patent is KRONES AG. Invention is credited to Uwe Hasler, Jorg Triebel.
Application Number | 20140290823 14/160724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49726516 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140290823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hasler; Uwe ; et
al. |
October 2, 2014 |
DEVICE FOR LABELING CONTAINERS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE
DEVICE FOR LABELING CONTAINERS
Abstract
A device, and related method for controlling the device, for
labeling containers with a container conveyor, having at least one
container rotation device to rotate a container in a first
direction about an axis, in a second direction about this axis in
the opposite direction or not to rotate this container, with at
least two labeling stations each with a labeling assembly and a
pressing-on device, with a control device generating control
commands for the container rotation device based on activity
information of the labeling stations. In the region of an inactive
labeling station, the container rotation device is rotated in the
first direction, so that a container of the container rotation
device can roll onto the pressing-on device and in the region of an
active labeling station, the container device is rotated in the
second direction, so that a label applied to the container can be
pressed on.
Inventors: |
Hasler; Uwe; (Regensburg,
DE) ; Triebel; Jorg; (Alteglofsheim, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KRONES AG |
Neutraubling |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
KRONES AG
Neutraubling
DE
|
Family ID: |
49726516 |
Appl. No.: |
14/160724 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
156/60 ;
156/362 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65C 9/36 20130101; B65C
9/40 20130101; B65C 3/08 20130101; B65C 3/16 20130101; Y10T 156/10
20150115; Y10T 156/1768 20150115; B65C 9/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/60 ;
156/362 |
International
Class: |
B65C 9/40 20060101
B65C009/40; B65C 9/04 20060101 B65C009/04; B65C 3/08 20060101
B65C003/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 26, 2013 |
DE |
10 2013 205 351.7 |
Claims
1. A device for labeling containers, comprising: a container which
is adapted to convey containers along a transport path, at least
one container rotation device where each of the at least one
container rotation device is adapted to receive a container and
where each container rotation device is further adapted to rotate
the one container in a first direction about an axis, to rotate it
in a second direction about the axis in the opposite direction, or
to not rotate the container, at least two labeling stations, where
each labeling station comprises a labeling assembly and a
pressing-on device, where the labeling assembly is adapted to
provide labels to be applied to containers, where the pressing-on
device is adapted to press a label applied to a container onto the
container and, a control device generating control commands for the
at least one container rotation device based on activity
information of the at least two labeling stations, where: the at
least one container rotation device is in a first region of an
inactive labeling station rotated in the first direction, so that a
container of the at least one container rotation device by rotation
in the first direction can roll one of completely or partially onto
the pressing-on device of the inactive labeling station; and the at
least one container rotation device is in a second region of an
active labeling station rotated in the second direction, so that a
label applied to a container of the at least one container rotation
device by the labeling assembly of the active labeling station can
by rotation in the second direction be one of completely or
partially pressed onto the container by the pressing-on device of
the active labeling station.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the container conveyor
is adapted to convey the containers at a conveying velocity ({right
arrow over (v.sub.T)}) along the transport path, and where the
rotation in the first direction is configured to perform the
container rotation device of the inactive labeling station at a
first velocity ({right arrow over (v.sub.1)}), and where in a
rolling-on region (58, {right arrow over (p)}) the absolute value
(|{right arrow over (v.sub.1)}({right arrow over (p)})|) of the
first velocity ({right arrow over (v.sub.1)}) is equal to the
absolute value (|{right arrow over (v.sub.T)}({right arrow over
(p)})|) of the conveying velocity ({right arrow over (v.sub.T)})
and where in a rolling-on region (58, {right arrow over (p)}) of
the container onto the pressing-on device the first velocity
({right arrow over (v.sub.1)}({right arrow over (p)})) and the
conveying velocity ({right arrow over (v.sub.T)}({right arrow over
(p)})) are oriented oppositely.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing-on device
comprises brush members.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing-on device
comprises a formed member being provided with a support comprising
foam.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the foam comprises
integral foam.
6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the support is covered
with foil.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing-on device
comprises a roller, where the roller comprises one of a
rubbery-elastic material, foam, and a combination thereof.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein at least a cover
surface of the roller is covered with foil.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing-on device
comprises foam with a tape, where the tape comprises
polytetrafluoroethylene.
10. The device according to claim 1, where wherein the pressing-on
device comprises a brush body, where the brush body comprises a
plastic body on which individual bristle members are disposed.
11. A method for controlling a device for labeling containers
according to claim 1 comprising: conveying a container being
received by a container rotation device of the device along the
transport path using a container conveyor of the device; rotating
the container in the first direction in the first region of an
inactive labeling station or rotating the container in the second
direction in the second region of an active labeling station.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the containers
comprise one of bottles, cans, and receptacles.
13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor comprises
one of a carousel and a linear conveyor.
14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
container rotation device is one of a turntable, a gripper and a
centering bell.
15. The device according to claim 4, wherein the foam is
closed-cell.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of
German Application No. 10 2013 205 351.7, filed Mar. 26, 2013. The
priority application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosure relates to a device for labeling containers
and a method for controlling the device for labeling containers,
such as used in container production and filling operations.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The utility model specification DE 20 2004 009 707 U1
discloses a device for labeling containers comprising a container
conveyor having labeling stations operationally alternating
positioned in its periphery, with a label transfer and dispensing
device for labels adhering to a carrier web which are in the
transfer region via the dispensing device adhesively applied to a
container jacket having a superimposed self-rotation, and with a
pressing-on device comprising a pressing-on element for pressing-on
the labels dispensed to the containers. The pressing-on element of
an inactive labeling station is movable from its working position
to a resting position at least slightly beyond the container
movement plane.
[0004] A device is known from EP 2 098 455 A1 for applying labels
to containers comprising a first pressing-on unit, which presses
the labels onto an outer wall of the containers. The first
pressing-on unit is at least in a partial region in the
longitudinal direction of the containers shorter than the label to
be applied. The first pressing-on unit can be displaceable relative
to the transport path of the containers.
[0005] DE 10 2008 062 064 A1 discloses a method and device for
controlling a machine for handling containers in which the machine
comprises a plurality of respective motor-driven turntables for
aligning the containers. The motorized drives of the turntables are
each monitored separately, and in the event of malfunction of one
or more of the turntable drives, the affected faulty turntable
drives can be deactivated while operation of the machine continues.
In addition, each of the deactivated turntable drives triggers at
least a partial deactivation of respective subsequent processing
and/or treatment steps of the container positions associated with
the deactivated turntable drives of the machine.
[0006] DE 10 2009 034 217 A1 discloses a control device for
turntables in labeling machines, where two or more system points
are defined that can be spatially or temporally passed by the
turntable. One or more rotary profiles between the first and the
second system point are defined, where a rotary profile describes a
rotational motion of the turntable using a drive element; the
turntables can be rotatable in a clockwise and/or anticlockwise
direction. Due to the control device, it is possible to configure
the rotational motion of the turntable more flexibly, it is also
possible to avoid unnecessary rotational motion of the turntable. A
labeling machine can have a control element that decides which
rotation profile is to be used when passing a certain system
point.
[0007] DE 31 37 201 A1 discloses a labeling machine with multiple
turntables, the self-rotation of which is for one revolution of the
turntable controllable such that the labeling objects received by
them pass the labeling devices and brush-on devices stationed in
the periphery of the turntable with certain movement conditions.
For example, the turntables can be swung in alternating directions
of rotation or held in certain angular positions.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] One aspect of the disclosure is to apply labels under
high-performance conditions to various container diameters and in
different areas of the surface of the containers by an effective
and functionally reliable device, where application of the labels
is also ensured interchangingly with several redundantly operating
label transfer devices also without interruption of the labeling
process.
[0009] The present disclosure understands the term "container" to
mean any receptacle such as bottles, cans, jars with and without
screw cap, etc. that is suited for receiving any product such as
beverages, food, pharmaceuticals etc. In the following, only
containers are named for reasons of simplicity.
[0010] The device for labeling containers includes:
[0011] a container conveyor, such as a carousel or a linear
conveyor, which is adapted to convey containers along a transport
path,
[0012] at least one container rotation device, such as a turntable,
a gripper or a centering bell, where each container rotation device
is adapted to receive a container and where each container rotation
device is further adapted to rotate this one container in a first
direction about an axis or to rotate it in a second direction about
the axis in the opposite direction or to not rotate this
container,
[0013] at least two labeling stations, where each labeling station
comprises a labeling assembly and a pressing-on device, where the
labeling assembly is adapted to provide labels to be applied to
containers, where the pressing-on device is adapted to press a
label applied to a container onto the container,
[0014] control device generating control commands for the at least
one container rotation device based on activity information of the
at least two labeling stations, where: [0015] the container
rotation device is in a first region of an inactive labeling
station rotated in the first direction, so that a container on the
container rotation device by rotation in the first direction can
roll completely or partially onto the pressing-on device of the
inactive labeling station; and [0016] the container rotation device
is in a second region of an active labeling station rotated in the
second direction, so that by the rotation in the second direction a
label applied to a container of the container rotation device by
the labeling assembly of the active labeling station can be
completely or partially pressed onto the container by the
pressing-on device of the active labeling station.
[0017] With the container conveyor, containers being received from
a container rotation device can on the one hand be passed along
various processing stations such as labeling stations, and on the
other hand, can be rotated about an axis, for example, about the
longitudinal axis of the container or about an axis that is
perpendicular to a transport plane.
[0018] A labeling assembly generally comprises a label web having a
plurality of labels arranged on a carrier material. The label is
separated from the carrier material and the label is subsequently
supplied to the container and is pressed onto the container using a
pressing-on device.
[0019] The present disclosure comprises at least two labeling
stations which are intended for labeling containers with the same
kind of label. For a disruption-free labeling process, it is
provided that one of the labeling stations is active. Active in
this case means that the labeling assembly is equipped with labels
and applies these labels onto containers which are by the container
conveyor and the container rotation devices being moved past this
active labeling station and that these applied labels are then
pressed onto the container with the pressing-on device. Pressing
onto the container is presently done by mechanical interaction with
the pressing-on device, so that pressure is applied in an area
where the container and the pressing-on device contact each other
resulting in the label being pressed on. Since the container and
the pressing-on device generally only contact at a limited area not
comprising the entire surface of the label, the label is first only
partially pressed onto the container, and, in that the container
conveyor and the container rotation device move the container
along, is also in other areas pressed onto the container so that
the label is entirely or partially pressed onto the container when
the container leaves the labeling station, depending on the
proportions in size of the label, the container and/or the
pressing-on device.
[0020] For applying the labels and pressing-on the applied labels,
the container rotation devices in the second region of an active
labeling station rotate in the second direction. A second region
can presently be understood to be the physical extension of the
active labeling station along the transport path or the physical
extension which was extended by further regions upstream and
downstream of the active labeling station.
[0021] Assuming that conveyance of the containers using the
container conveyor is effected in a conveying direction along the
transport path, then rotation in the second direction is given in
that a point on the surface of the container being adjacent to the
labeling station also moves in the conveying direction in a
superimposed manner by rotation of the container rotation
device.
[0022] With a view from above onto the device for labeling being
represented in a two-dimensional drawing plane, the conveying
direction of a linear conveyor can in this drawing plane be
oriented forwardly and, when the active labeling station is located
to the left of the linear conveyor, rotation of the container
rotation device is effected clockwise in the second direction. It
is assumed for a carousel that it rotates in the clockwise
direction and that the active labeling station is arranged at the
outer periphery of the carousel. Rotation of the container rotation
device occurs clockwise in the second direction.
[0023] By providing at least two labeling stations intended for
labeling containers with the same kind of label, it is possible to
equip one labeling assembly of an inactive labeling station with
new labels while another labeling station is active, so that there
is no interruption of the labeling process. A labeling station is
referred to as being inactive because it does not apply labels onto
containers and does not press-on any labels onto containers; an
inactive labeling station can presently be equipped with labels or
not be equipped with labels.
[0024] Containers are by the container conveyor and the container
rotation device also moved past an inactive labeling station. If
the container rotation devices, as in the case of the active
labeling station, would there also be rotated in the second
direction, then the pressing-on device of an inactive labeling
station would experience wear during contact of a container with
the pressing-on device. In addition, a label, which has been
applied by an active labeling station onto a container before the
container is moved along the inactive labeling station, can
experience stress due to the contact with the pressing-on
device.
[0025] It is therefore provided that the container rotation device
is in a first region of an inactive labeling station rotated in the
first direction, so that a container of the container rotation
device can roll completely or partially onto the pressing-on device
of the inactive labeling station. A first region can presently be
understood to be the physical extension of the inactive labeling
station along the transport path or the physical extension which
was extended by further regions upstream and downstream of the
inactive labeling station.
[0026] Whether a container rolls completely or partially onto the
pressing-on device depends on the circumference of the container,
the length of the pressing-on device and/or the velocity at which
the container is moved along the pressing-on device. It is also
possible that the rolling process is superimposed by a slip, where
the container is drawn with the label along the pressing-on device.
A container can also at its circumference comprise one or multiple
recesses, so that there can be no rolling onto the pressing-on
device in the area of the recesses.
[0027] By having the containers rolling completely or partially
onto the pressing-on device of an inactive labeling station, wear
of the pressing-on device is significantly reduced. Moreover,
labels that have already been applied by an active labeling station
onto a container also experience no stress when the container
passes an inactive labeling station.
[0028] With a view from above onto the device for labeling being
represented in a two-dimensional drawing plane, the conveying
direction of a linear conveyor can in this drawing plane be
oriented forwardly and, when the inactive labeling station is
located to the left of the linear conveyor, rotation of the
container rotation device is effected anticlockwise in the first
direction. It is assumed for a carousel, that it rotates in the
clockwise direction and that the inactive labeling station is
arranged at the outer periphery of the carousel. Rotation of the
container rotation device occurs anticlockwise in the first
direction.
[0029] The activity information of the at least two labeling
stations can pertain to the respective current state of a labeling
station, for example, inactive or active. The control device
generates control commands for the at least one container rotation
device based on the activity information. Therefore, the individual
container rotation devices can be prompted to respectively rotate
in the first direction or the second direction.
[0030] Changing the direction of rotation from the first direction
to the second direction and vice versa is preferably not performed
abruptly but, for example, by slowing down the rotational speed
until a standstill is reached and then increasing the rotational
speed in the other direction.
[0031] The container conveyor can be adapted to convey the
containers with a conveying velocity {right arrow over (v.sub.T)}
along the transport path, where the rotation in the first direction
is configured to perform the container rotation device of the
inactive labeling station at a first velocity {right arrow over
(v.sub.1)}. In the rolling-on region {right arrow over (p)}, the
absolute value |{right arrow over (v.sub.1)}({right arrow over
(p)})| of the first velocity is equal to the absolute value |{right
arrow over (v.sub.T)}({right arrow over (p)})| of the conveying
velocity, i.e. it is true that |{right arrow over (v.sub.1)}({right
arrow over (p)})|=|{right arrow over (v.sub.T)}({right arrow over
(p)})|, and in the rolling-on region {right arrow over (p)}, the
first velocity {right arrow over (v.sub.1)}({right arrow over (p)})
and the conveying velocity {right arrow over (v.sub.T)}({right
arrow over (p)}) are additionally oriented in opposite directions,
i.e. it is true that {right arrow over (v.sub.1)}({right arrow over
(p)})=-{right arrow over (v.sub.T)}({right arrow over (p)}).
[0032] The rolling-on region of the container onto the pressing-on
device is generally laminar, but is presently described by the
vector {right arrow over (p)}.
[0033] A velocity vector is defined by the direction of movement
and the absolute value. The absolute value presently specifies
which distance a point of a body travels within a certain period of
time. It is therefore generally true that:
v .fwdarw. = lim t .fwdarw. 0 .DELTA. r .fwdarw. ( t ) .DELTA. t ,
##EQU00001##
where t is the time and {right arrow over (r)} is the position
vector.
[0034] Due to the fact that the conveying velocity and the first
velocity in the rolling-on region are equal in absolute value, but
are opposite in direction, the container can roll optimally onto
the pressing-on device of the inactive labeling station because the
container is not drawn along the pressing-on device. This could
happen if the absolute values of the two velocities were not
equal.
[0035] The pressing-on device can comprise brush members. Even when
container surfaces exhibit unevenness, the brush members can also
provide for properly pressing labels onto such a surface.
[0036] In another embodiment, the pressing-on device can comprise a
formed member which is provided with a support comprising foam,
where the foam is preferably closed-cell. Closed-cell foam does not
absorb liquids since the walls between the individual cells are
completely closed.
[0037] The support can be covered with foil. Any ingress of liquid
into the material of the support, e.g. the foam, and/or any wetting
of the material of the support, e.g. the foam, with liquid can be
avoided, and therefore foam being open-cell, closed cell and/or
mixed-cell--comprising open-cell and closed-cell foam--can be used
as foam. Open-cell foam has cell walls that are not closed, so that
open-cell foam can absorb liquid.
[0038] In the event of foil wear, it can be replaced, where the
support, i.e. also the foam, does not need to be replaced, but the
support can be covered with new foil.
[0039] It can also be provided to use integral foam as foam
Integral foam comprises a core of foam cells, and a cell-free
surface, which can be regarded as a kind of skin; the density in
integral foam increases from the inside to the outside. Also in
this case, the foam can additionally be covered with foil.
[0040] The pressing-on device can also comprise a roller, where the
roller can comprise rubber-elastic material and/or foam. The roller
is preferably mounted rotatable about its axis parallel to the
container axis.
[0041] To protect the roller against wear and tear, at least the
cover surface of the roller can be covered with foil.
[0042] In another embodiment, the pressing-on device can comprise
foam with a tape, where the tape comprises
polytetrafluoroethylene.
[0043] In a further embodiment, the pressing-on device can comprise
a brush body, where the brush body comprises a plastic body on
which individual bristle members are arranged. A brush member can
be embodied as a cluster of individual bristles, where the ends of
the bristles coming into contact with the containers and/or labels
are designed such, for example, are rounded, that the containers
and/or labels are not damaged. A bristle member can also be
embodied as an individual bristle, where the end of the bristle
coming into contact with the containers and/or labels is designed
such, for example, is rounded, that the containers and/or labels
are not damaged.
[0044] The pressing-on devices can presently be geometrically
designed such that they are suitable for use in a carousel or for
use in a linear conveyor, respectively. In a pressing-on device
comprising a formed member being provided with a support, it can be
provided (a) for the use in a carousel, that the formed member is
curved corresponding to the radius of the carousel, so that the
support is located on the convex side of the formed member, and (b)
for the use in a linear conveyor, that the formed member is
straight.
[0045] The like can be provided for a pressing-on device comprising
a brush body, where the brush body comprises a plastic body on
which individual bristle members are arranged. In this case, the
plastic body would then be designed in a curved or straight manner,
respectively.
[0046] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method for
controlling a device for labeling containers such as described
farther above or farther below, where the method comprises the step
of conveying a container being received by a container rotation
device of the device along the transport path using the container
conveyor of the device. The method further comprises the step of
rotating the container device in the first direction in the first
region of an inactive labeling station or rotating the container
device in the second direction in the second region of an active
labeling station.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0047] Further advantages and embodiments result from the
accompanying drawings:
[0048] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a device for labeling comprising
a linear conveyor;
[0049] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a device for labeling with a
carousel;
[0050] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a region where the rolling
occurs;
[0051] FIG. 3a shows an enlarged view of FIG. 3;
[0052] FIG. 4a shows a straight pressing-on device with a formed
member which is provided with a support;
[0053] FIG. 4b shows a cross-section of FIG. 4a;
[0054] FIG. 4c shows a curved pressing-on device with a formed
member which is provided with a support;
[0055] FIG. 4d shows a cross-section of FIG. 4c;
[0056] FIG. 5 shows a pressing-on device with a roller, where the
cover surface of the roller is covered with foil;
[0057] FIG. 6a shows a front view of a straight pressing-on device
with a brush body comprising a plastic body on which individual
bristle members are disposed;
[0058] FIG. 6b shows a cross-section of FIG. 6a; and
[0059] FIG. 6c shows a cross-section of a curved pressing-on device
with a brush body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a device for labeling comprising
a linear conveyor 1, which moves in a direction of transport TL. On
the left hand side of the linear conveyor 1, four labeling stations
2, 3, 4, 5 are shown, each comprising a labeling assembly 6, 7, 8,
9 and a pressing-on device 10, 11, 12, 13. It is provided that the
first two labeling stations 2, 3 (along the transport path) are
adapted to apply a first kind of label--e.g. front labels--to
containers, whereas the other two labeling stations 4, 5 are
adapted to apply a second kind of label--e.g., rear labels--to the
containers.
[0061] Eight container rotation devices 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21 are shown, they can be turntables, centering bells or centering
punches, which are adapted to rotate containers in a first
direction (e.g. in the anticlockwise direction) about a
longitudinal axis of the container or about an axis perpendicular
to a transport plane or in a second direction (e.g. in a clockwise
direction) or not to rotate the containers. Each of the container
rotation devices 14-21 is individually controllable in order to be
able to rotate a container in a desired manner for labeling and/or
for another handling process. Using a control device 22, a
direction of rotation and/or a rotational speed of a container
rotation device can be controlled by control commands Individual
actuation of the container rotation devices is preferably effected
via data bus control.
[0062] In FIG. 1, the first labeling station 2 and the fourth
labeling station 5 are active, whereas the second labeling station
3 and the third labeling 4 are inactive. The four marked regions
23, 24, 25, 26 indicate the regions in which a container rotation
device has substantially one direction of rotation. In the
transition between two such regions, a change in direction of
rotation can occur or the direction of rotation can be maintained.
It is also possible to maintain or to change the absolute value of
the rotational speed. In addition, the rotation can be halted for a
period of time, for example, to change the direction of rotation of
a container rotation device.
[0063] In FIG. 1, the direction of transport TL is in the image
plane directed upwardly. Accordingly, a container rotation device
is in the region of an inactive labeling station rotated in the
anticlockwise direction and in the region of an active labeling
device is rotated in the clockwise direction. The first labeling
station 2 is active, and thereby the container rotation devices 14,
15 are in a region 23 associated with the first labeling station 2
rotated in the clockwise direction. The second labeling station 3
is inactive, so that, in the transition of the region 23 associated
with the first labeling station 2 to a region 24 associated with
the second labeling station 3, a change in direction of rotation of
the container rotation devices is effected, so that the container
rotation devices 16, 17 rotate in the anticlockwise direction.
Since the third labeling station 4 is likewise inactive, the
direction of rotation of the container rotation devices 18, 19 can
in a region 25 associated with the third labeling station 4 be
maintained in the anticlockwise direction. The fourth labeling
station 5 is active, so that, in the transition of the region 25
associated with the third labeling station 4 to a region 26
associated with the fourth labeling station 5, a change in
direction of rotation of the container rotation devices is
effected, so that the container rotation devices 20, 21 rotate in
the clockwise direction.
[0064] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a device for labeling with a
carousel 27 which rotates in the clockwise direction and conveys
objects in a direction of transport TK. At the outer perimeter of
the carousel 27, four labeling stations 28, 29, 30, 31 are shown,
each comprising a labeling assembly 32, 33, 34, 35 and a
pressing-on device 36, 37, 38, 39. It is provided that the first
two labeling stations 28, 29 (along the transport path) are adapted
to apply a first kind of label--e.g. front labels--to containers,
whereas the other two labeling stations 30, 31 are adapted to apply
a second kind of label--e.g., rear labels--to the containers.
[0065] Eight container rotation devices 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 19, 46,
47 are shown, they can be turntables, centering bells or centering
punches, which are adapted to rotate containers in a first
direction about a longitudinal axis of the container or about an
axis perpendicular to a transport plane or in a second direction or
not to rotate the containers. Each of the container rotation
devices 40-47 is individually controllable in order to be able to
rotate a container in a desired manner for labeling and/or for
another handling process. Using a control device 48, a direction of
rotation and/or a rotational speed of a container rotation device
can be controlled by control commands Individual actuation of the
container rotation devices is preferably effected via data bus
control.
[0066] In FIG. 2, the first labeling station 28 and the fourth
labeling station 31 are active, whereas the second labeling station
29 and the third labeling station 30 are inactive. The four marked
regions 49, 50, 51, 52 indicate the regions in which a container
rotation device has substantially one direction of rotation. In the
transition between two such regions, a change in direction of
rotation can occur or the direction of rotation can be maintained.
It is also possible to maintain or to change the absolute value of
the rotational speed. In addition, the rotation can be halted for a
period of time, for example, to change the direction of rotation of
a container rotation device.
[0067] Since the carousel 27 rotates in the clockwise direction, a
container rotation device is in the region of an inactive labeling
station rotated in the anticlockwise direction and in the region of
an active labeling device is rotated in the clockwise direction.
The first labeling station 28 is active, and thereby the container
rotation devices 40, 41 are in a region 49 associated with the
first labeling station 28 rotated in the clockwise direction. The
second labeling station 29 is inactive, so that, in the transition
of the region 49 associated with the first labeling station 28 to
region 50 associated with the second labeling station 29, a change
in direction of rotation of the container rotation devices is
effected, so that the container rotation devices 42, 43 rotate in
the anticlockwise direction. Since the third labeling station 30 is
likewise inactive, the direction of rotation of the container
rotation devices 44, 45 can in a region 51 associated with the
third labeling station 30 be maintained in the anticlockwise
direction. The fourth labeling station 31 is active, so that, in
the transition of the region 51 associated with the third labeling
station 30 to a region 52 associated with the fourth labeling
station 31, a change in direction of rotation of the container
rotation devices is effected, so that the container rotation
devices 46, 47 rotate in the clockwise direction.
[0068] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a rolling-on region and 3a
shows an enlarged view of section A of FIG. 3. The container
conveyor 53 conveys the containers at a conveying velocity {right
arrow over (v.sub.T)} and the container rotation device 57 rotates
in the region of the inactive labeling station 54 at a first
velocity {right arrow over (v.sub.1)} in the anticlockwise
direction. The rolling-on region 58 of the container onto the
pressing-on device 56 is generally laminar, but is presently
described by the vector {right arrow over (p)}. Since the container
conveyor 53 conveys the container rotation device 57 along the
pressing-on device 56 at the conveying velocity {right arrow over
(v.sub.T)}, the rolling-on region 58 respectively moves on the
pressing-on device 56. In FIGS. 3 and 3a, the rolling-on region 56
would move upwardly in the drawing plane.
[0069] In the case illustrated in FIG. 3, the conveying velocity
{right arrow over (v.sub.T)} and the first velocity {right arrow
over (v.sub.1)} of the container rotation device 57 have values
such that, in the rolling-on region 58 the absolute value |{right
arrow over (v.sub.1)}({right arrow over (p)})| of the first
velocity is equal to the absolute value |{right arrow over
(v.sub.T)}({right arrow over (p)})| of the conveying velocity, i.e.
|{right arrow over (v.sub.1)}({right arrow over (p)})|=|{right
arrow over (v.sub.T)}({right arrow over (p)})|, and that in the
rolling-on region 58 the first velocity {right arrow over
(v.sub.1)}({right arrow over (p)}) and the conveying velocity
{right arrow over (v.sub.T)}({right arrow over (p)}) are oppositely
oriented, i.e. |{right arrow over (v.sub.1)}({right arrow over
(p)})|=-|{right arrow over (v.sub.T)}({right arrow over (p)})|.
[0070] Due to the fact that the conveying velocity and the first
velocity in the rolling-on region are equal in absolute value, but
are opposite in direction, the container can roll optimally onto
the pressing-on device of the inactive labeling station because the
container is not drawn along the pressing-on device.
[0071] FIG. 4a shows a schematic view of a pressing-on device 59
with a formed member 60 being provided with a support 61. FIG. 4B
shows a cross-section of this pressing-on device 59, in which the
straight design of the formed member 60 can be seen. The surface of
the support 61, onto which the containers can roll and be pressed,
respectively, is preferably parallel to the straight surface of the
formed member 60, whereas the support 61 can be tapered or rounded,
respectively, at a beginning and an end portion of the pressing-on
device 59. Tapering or rounding allows gentle transition of
containers onto the pressing-on device or from the pressing-on
device, respectively. Due to the straight shape of the formed
member 60 and the support 61, the pressing-on device 59 is suitable
for use in a linear conveyor. Various materials can be provided for
the support 61, for example open-cell, closed-cell and/or
mixed-cell foam, integral foam, or the like, preferably exhibiting
elasticity.
[0072] FIG. 4c shows a schematic view of a pressing-on device 62
with a curved formed member 63 being provided with a support 64.
FIG. 4d shows a cross-section of this pressing-on device 62. The
surface of the support 64, onto which the containers can roll and
be pressed, respectively, preferably has the same or a similar
curvature as the formed member 63, where the support 63 can be
tapered or rounded, respectively, at a beginning and an end portion
of the pressing-on device 62. Due to the curved shape of the formed
member 63, the pressing-on device 62 is suitable for use in a
carousel. The materials for the curved support 64 can correspond to
those of the straight support 61 of the pressing-on device 59 with
the straight formed member 60.
[0073] FIG. 5 shows a pressing-on device 65 comprising a roller 66,
where the cover surface of the roller 66 is covered with foil 67.
The roller 66 is mounted rotatable about its axis 68 so that the
roller 66 can rotate in the clockwise direction or in the
anticlockwise direction depending on in which direction and with
which direction of rotation a container rolls onto the roller 66 or
is pressed thereonto. The roller 66 preferably comprises
rubbery-elastic material and/or foam.
[0074] FIG. 6a shows a front view of a pressing-on device 71
comprising a brush body with a plastic body 69 on which individual
bristle members 70 are arranged. In the embodiment shown, the
bristle members 70 are arranged symmetrically to each other on the
plastic body 69. But it can also be provided that the bristle
members are not arranged symmetrically with respect to each other
or that a symmetrical arrangement of the bristle members 69 is
provided only in some areas of the plastic body. A brush member can
be embodied as a cluster of individual bristles, where the ends of
the bristles coming into contact with the containers and/or labels
are designed such, for example, rounded, that the containers and/or
label are not damaged. A bristle member can also be embodied as an
individual bristle, where the end of the bristle coming into
contact with the containers and/or labels is designed such, for
example, rounded, that the containers and/or label are not
damaged.
[0075] FIG. 6b shows a cross-section of the pressing-on device 71
from FIG. 6a. The plastic body 69 is embodied in a straight manner,
where not all bristles members 70 are shown for reasons of clarity.
Due to the straight shape of the formed member 69, the pressing-on
device 71 is suitable for use in a linear conveyor.
[0076] FIG. 6c shows a cross-section of a pressing-on device 72
comprising a brush body with a curved plastic body 73 on which
individual bristle members 70 are arranged. Not all bristle
elements 70 are shown for reasons of clarity. Due to the curved
shape of the formed member 73, the pressing-on device 72 is
suitable for use in a carousel.
* * * * *